Big Clarinet Show
by Aaron Collins
Toward the end of 4th grade, our music teacher gave a presentation to generate some interest in the school band. It was then that I decided I wanted to play the clarinet. After I spent a few days consistently harassing my mom, she agreed to comply with my desire. Her initial hesitation was not only due to the inevitable squeaks she would have to endure as I learned to play, but also the monetary sacrifice that accompanied the decision. With a “practice agreement” in place, it was off to the music store. I was intrigued by one of the more expensive clarinets. Forty-five minutes and more than $300 dollars later, we left with my clarinet and a bag of maintenance supplies. My enthusiasm lasted maybe a month. The 30 minutes per day of practice that was agreed upon, felt more like three hours as I watched my siblings and friends congregate outside after school for the neighborhood sport of the day. I was athletic and decided that I was “too cool” for the school band. However my mom did not accept my argument.
We agreed that I would give it one year, and then the decision to quit or continue would be up to me. The first week of 5th grade we were sent home with our class selection card. We were given the option of taking art or music. I remembered the deal I had with my mom and reluctantly checked the music box. That night I again pleaded with my mom but to no avail. The class selection card was signed without further discussion. The next morning as I sat on the bus staring at this card, I realized I had made my check in pencil. To me it was the decision that any child in my situation would have made. With the help of an eraser, I was officially registered for art.
Things were going great. I would come home from school, toot my horn for 30 minutes and rush out the door to play with my friends. As the weeks passed, however, one thing began to weigh heavily on my mind. The yearly assembly with a performance by the school band was approaching quickly. How was I going to explain why I was not participating? What was I going to do? The night of “the big show” my dad left work early and we had a special family dinner. I then got dressed in the required slacks and shirt, grabbed my clarinet, and we headed for the school. As we walked into school, with my parents smiling, I received a few odd looks from other students.
My classmates were confused as to why I was dressed like the musicians and carrying my clarinet. As I walked my parents to their seats, they each gave me a hug and wished me luck. As the performance began, I found myself on stage, out of place, and without a clue as to what I was going to do. I stood there with ears too big for my head and a large grin, and waved to my parents. Then I pretended to play my clarinet. When the music ended, I quickly realized that I had not fooled many people, most notably my parents and the band teacher. As I approached my parents in the hallway, I could see the disappointment, embarrassment and anger in their eyes.
I explained my deception, and my mother’s eyes began to tear. As we left the school, there was silence in the car which was finally broken by the sweet voice of my mom saying, “We love you,“ and a quiet chuckle from my dad. Unfortunately, that was not the end of my clarinet career. My mom made me take another year of school band. Needless to say, however, my clarinet career ended one year later.
